Cherki is just the latest new talent from Lyon’s production line, but it may be the best yet.
He joined Lyon at the seven-year-old of Saint-Priest and, 16 years old and 140 days, Cherki became the youngest scorer in Ligue 1 Side history in a draw at the French Cup in January 2020.
Prior to that, in November 2019, a Champions League debut was against Zenit, while he also helped France reach the quarterfinals of the European U21 European Championship in 2023.
Previously linked to Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea in 2020 he admitted on TV Lyon “My dream is to play for Real Madrid.”
Your soccer idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, can play an extreme, but his preference is a more central role number 10.
Cherki has just enjoyed a break campaign on Ligue 1, offering 11 assists, 22 great chances – the most in the league – 13 balls and 48 successful dribbles.
A return of 12 goals in all competitions is by far the best of his short career, but it is his work and understanding of the game off the ball that undoubtedly improved the maximum in this term.
French soccer expert Julien Laurens, speaking in the euro leagues podcast, said: “He’s been amazing this season. Since he was 16 – even before that – talent is there, left foot or right foot.
“A player at this level that takes corners with each foot, depending on which side of the corner is, to be inswing every time it is simply amazing.
“He is one of Europe’s greatest technicians now.”
Statistics support Cherki’s ambium qualities. Of the 44 shots he took with his feet on Ligue 1 last season, 22 came with the left and 22 with the right.
Cherki’s growing reputation was only enhanced by the impressive international debut on Thursday on Thursday against Spain, where he caused the return of France 5-1.
Three days later, he made his full international debut when Les Bleus beat Germany 2-0 on the third place in the League of Nations.
Laurens is certainly not Cherki’s only admirer.
France’s legend, Thierry Henry, said earlier that “he has never seen a player in the story that dribbles as quickly as he”, while Lyon’s captain Alexandre Lacazette described him as “special.”
The former Arsenal Acting added: “This season, he managed to increase his level. I would put [Mesut] Ozil in a different category, but over time, Rayan can approach him. “
Cherki, also part of the France team that finished second at the 2024 Olympics, scored both legs for Lyon against Manchester United in a defeat in the quarterfinals of Europe League last season.
Speaking to BBC Sport in April about him, former Lyon Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles said: “He’s the best natural talent I’ve ever seen. An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.
“He is risking, helps and dragging us the field taking people and walnuts – we are a genius.”
